Wellness is the condition of good physical, mental and emotional health, especially when maintained by an appropriate diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. (The American Heritage Medical Dictionary)
More than half of healthcare costs are due to unhealthy lifestyle and stress. Also known as worksite health promotion, worksite wellness focuses on improving health through worksite-based programs that combine educational, behavioral, and environmental modifications. Research has shown that companies who invest in worksite wellness programs can save anywhere from $2.00 to $6.00 for every dollar spent on the program as well as reduce overall healthcare costs, increase staff productivity, decrease absenteeism, and promote overall staff moral and company loyalty.
To facilitate and promote worksite wellness in the community, the committee engages in the following initiatives:
Annual Worksite Wellness Awards Ceremony
This initiative honors Florida companies that demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness and whose programs produce positive health outcomes.
Worksite Wellness Forums
Educational workshops that provide information and resources to community organizations on a selected worksite wellness topic.
The committee has facilitated the following community initiatives/strategies:
- Increase the number of Worksite Wellness programs within the Consortium that support evidence-based practices.
- Develop a Worksite Wellness Team within each Consortium Member Organization (CMO) that will evaluate existing policies, procedures and recommend changes to promote procurement of healthy food and beverages options.
- Develop a Worksite Wellness Team within the Consortium Member Organizations that will promote physical activity.
- Increase the number of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) staff/faculty/administrators engaging in regular physical activity, by establishing a Worksite Wellness Center for the MDCPS Administrative Complex.